Free 2012 BMW 550i VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2012 BMW 550i VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2012 BMW 550i VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-character code allocated to each vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). It forms the initial part of the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that helps to identify specific attributes of the vehicle, including its manufacturer, model year, and place of production. For the 2012 BMW 550i, the WMI “WBA” indicates that BMW AG, headquartered in Munich, Germany, is the manufacturer. This code is instrumental in recognizing the vehicle as a passenger car produced by BMW between the years 2006-2017. Understanding a WMI is crucial for various purposes, including registration, insurance, and in tracking the history of a vehicle.

List of WMI Codes for a 2012 BMW 550i

WMI: WBA

• Model Years Covered: 2006-2017
• Example VIN: WBAFR9C50CC271443
• Manufacturer Name: BMW AG
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Munich
• State or Province:
• Country: Germany

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2012 BMW 550i VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

• Engine type
• Transmission
• Model or trim
• Body style
• Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 2012 BMW 550i:

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 2012 BMW 550i VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 2012 BMW 550i VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2012 BMW 550i VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2012 BMW 550i Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2012 BMW 550i

The final 6 characters in a 2012 BMW 550i’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2012 BMW 550i VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, possibly indicating the year 2012 and providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, potentially indicating that the vehicle is a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and utility.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN data shows an engine with 4.4L displacement, 400hp, and 8 cylinders, possibly reflecting the vehicle’s power and performance capabilities.
• Safety Features: The VIN indicates the presence of front airbags for the 1st row (Driver and Passenger), side airbags, knee airbags, other inflatable restraints, and pretensioners, possibly highlighting comprehensive safety measures for occupants.
• Fuel Type: The VIN specifies that the vehicle uses Gasoline, which can be essential for understanding fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN indicates that the vehicle was manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, potentially providing information on its origin and possibly its build quality.
• Additional Features: Details like a manual seat belt type, a direct tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and specific trim (xDrive) give further insights into the vehicle’s specifications and luxury attributes.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2012 BMW 550i

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